Course Overview
The course will initially introduce the students to the major theoretical traditions developed in the discipline of international relations over the years. Then, it will be focused on the main areas of study in international relations such as statecraft, foreign policy, conflict and war, terrorism, international integration and trade, international law and human rights, environmental issues and global economy. The course will also strive to comprehend significant contemporary events related to warfare, the global political economy, and the environment by applying the theoretical frameworks within the field of international relations.
Throughout the course, the key concepts and puzzles of the discipline such as the nature of anarchy, the sources of power, the causes of war, the role of non-state actors, the functions of international regimes, and the future of international relations will be scrutinized. Beyond the use of the textbook and the lecture slides, the class will be enriched with a wide variety of activities such as documentary screenings, and simulations. Active participation and involvement will be routinized through the assignment of individual and team projects as well as in-class group discussions.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University credit transcript.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the class the students should be able to:
- Apply the main theories of IR to comprehend and account for international interactions, relations and processes at the basic level.
- Form and present informed oral and written arguments on international events and developments.
- Understand and explain the key terms and events in international relations.
- Better understand the international affairs section of a prominent newspaper which you read on a regular basis.
- Improve their critical thinking, writing, presentation and reading skills.
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: PSC 124
Format: Online
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior, or senior status – or a 2024 high school graduate.
Students that apply for this course should have a basic understanding of JavaScript or HTML.
Credit: 3 Credits
Grading: A-F
Cost: $3,075
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.
“Syracuse University Summer College – Online was a way to experience what taking classes at Syracuse would be like. I was able to interact with other possible classmates and get to know professors and former students which gave me a greater understanding of what kinds of people I would be interacting with.”
—Aiden J., Summer College – Online Student, 2020
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – Online | 6-Week Session: Monday, July 8 – Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 | MTWThF; 10 – 11:40 a.m. | 3 credit | Closed |
Course Requirements
There are no requirements for this course.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Each day, there will be an interactive lecture followed by a discussion session in which students will be divided into groups. The main purpose of these discussion sessions will to promote the hands-on application of the information garnered from the preceding lecture, while also enhancing critical thinking and presentation skills.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bios
Raza Habib Raja
I am a PhD candidate who is at the end of my dissertation. My research interests include international political economy, globalization, war and conflict, civil military relations and Islamist parties and movements. Prior to joining academia, I worked for the central bank of Pakistan. I bring in extensive and varied experience both as a PhD candidate and someone who has worked in the financial and developmental sector for more than a decade. I have taught the introductory course of International Affairs multiple times as an independent instructor.